Knots and Surfaces: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics (Mathematical World, Vol. 6) [Paperback]

David W. Farmer (Author), Theodore B. Stanford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 28, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0821804510 | ISBN-13: 978-0821804513

In most mathematics textbooks, the most exciting part of mathematics--the process of invention and discovery--is completely hidden from the reader. The aim of Knots and Surfaces is to change all that. By means of a series of carefully selected tasks, this book leads readers to discover some real mathematics. There are no formulas to memorize; no procedures to follow. The book is a guide: its job is to start you in the right direction and to bring you back if you stray too far. Discovery is left to you. <P>Suitable for a one-semester course at the beginning undergraduate level, there are no prerequisites for understanding the text. Any college student interested in discovering the beauty of mathematics will enjoy a course taught from this book. The book has also been used successfully with nonscience students who want to fulfill a science requirement.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book is perfectly suited to a course for non-science majors in need of fulfilling a math requirement. All the sections have worked well at sparking student interest and convincing them that math is much more interesting than mere number-crunching and graphing." ---- Professor William Bloch, Wheaton College

"Would serve well as the basis of an independent study course in which the student would work through the tasks in a journal subject to periodic review by the instructor ... the writing is clear and engaging, and the tasks should be effective at setting a reasonable pace." ---- American Mathematical Monthly

Product Details

• Paperback: 101 pages
• Publisher: American Mathematical Society (November 28, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0821804510
• ISBN-13: 978-0821804513
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #795,910 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT INTRODUCTION TO UNUSUAL MATHEMATICAL TOPICS, December 8, 2005

By 

William Meisel (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Knots and Surfaces: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics (Mathematical World, Vol. 6) (Paperback)

This book (and the author's companion book GROUPS AND SYMMETRY) are both worth getting. This one introduces Graph Theory, Surface Topology and Knots while the other one introduces Groups, Border Patterns and Wallpaper Patterns. Both books provided a guided approach through exercises, and both books have exceptional bibliographies, and suggestions for further experimentation. (My inability to visualize or deal with Knots is not the author's fault, however.)

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intellectual Treat, May 21, 2002

By 

Michael R. Steele (Salt Lake City, Utah United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Knots and Surfaces: A Guide to Discovering Mathematics (Mathematical World, Vol. 6) (Paperback)

This is such a wonderful book. If you are interested in mathematics but aren't a mathematician this is the book for you. While reading it and working through the problems I really had the feeling that I was doing real mathematics vs just walking the dog type problems. I think this book is just as good if not better in some regards to Jeffery Weeks popular and excellent book The Shape of Space. After reading this book you will really understand some Topology,Graph Theory, and Knot Theory.